“Entirely.”
“Then with your permission, sweetheart, I will now devote my attentions to my wife whom I have been forced to neglect all day.” Robert’s arms tightened about her as she sank back against his shoulder. “It should not be thought that I forget her lest she feel compelled to look elsewhere.”
***
So determined was Harry that they should leave the inn as quickly as possible that he made no further mention of going against the doctor’s orders and presented himself as the model patient. His improvement continued and it was seen that some of the flesh returned to his frame, even his pallor lessened giving rise to hopes that at last he was some way toward being able to commence the journey home.
To accommodate their increased numbers a second coach and a suitable saddle horse were hired. The duke confiding to his wife, “I have had a surfeit of coach interiors these past weeks and if you have no objections I would prefer to be active. It will be necessary for you to travel with Harry and Eaves, Hannah and Sophie can occupy the second coach. Proctor and Hills can either sit on the box or ride. We can take the journey in easy stages as we now accommodate Harry, and he shall dictate our speed.”
It was indeed quite a cavalcade that eventually set forth from Elvas, the duke choosing to ride alongside the coach containing his wife. All now eager to attain Stovely’s welcoming portals, their aim was to reach Lisbon as quickly as possible.
***
Despite everyone’s concern, Harry showed a determination his condition belied and the journey to the coast took little above seven days. Each stage was accomplished with Harry’s comfort in mind, taking into consideration the heat and dust now that the summer months were upon them. However, once inside Lisbon’s bustling interior, the sights and sounds of the city brought a flush of excitement to his cheeks as he strained to watch their progress through the overflowing streets.
When they finally arrived at the dock, the welcoming sight of The Mistral berthed in the vast port proved almost too much for him. Tears of relief stole down his cheeks as two willing seamen removed him from the carriage and took him aboard to the cabin previously occupied by Jane.
After being made comfortable in the curtained bunk, he sighed and took hold of her hand. “I can’t believe we are almost home,” he said in a voice little above a whisper. “I thought I would never leave Portugal’s shores and I can’t tell you the relief of knowing that I will be returned to England in so few days. Robert has told me that I may remain at Stovely and I am truly grateful. Although my ultimate aim is to once more regain my independence, for the present, the thought of living on my own depresses me.”
“Then it need not, my dear,” Jane replied, suppressing the rising emotion in her own breast. “We are a family and as such we will live at Stovely. You shall have your own apartments and have the ordering of things. If however, when you are more restored, you feel the desire to set up your own establishment, Robert has promised to provide whatever assistance is necessary. If you have no wish to return to the manor it will be leased.”
“Then let it be leased immediately,” he replied. “I have no desire whatsoever to return there. When I leave Stovely it will be to begin anew.” He grinned boyishly, his humor restored and a teasing note crept into his voice. “I will set up a fine bachelor establishment in London. Who knows what diversions I will find to occupy my time.”
“That you will not,” she replied, laughing. “Not if I have any say in the matter. You will be respectable, dear brother, whether you wish it or not.”
Sobering Harry dropped his eyes. “I don’t think I have a choice in the matter.”
Jane smiled and patted his hand reassuringly, attempting to rally his spirits. “Who knows what improvement is possible once we have you to Dr. Reynolds? You will not always be compelled to endure the discomforts that engulf you now. Given but a year, who knows what improvements will be seen.”
Chapter Ten
The news that the master had arrived in Portsmouth with not only a wife, but also a ward and a brother-in-law, had the effect of sending Mrs. James into a whirl of activity, the like of which had never before been seen at Stovely. In the two days that it took for the coaches to reach Portsmouth and transport the travelers back to its welcoming portals, the house had been thoroughly refreshed, no corner had remained unmolested. Apartments had been arranged for Harry and the nursery opened for Sophie. Indeed everything had been done as the duke had instructed.
In the time since their departure the estate had flourished. Blooms decorated the flowerbeds and blossoms arched invitingly above the long driveway. To the duke’s influenced eye, even the fabric of the house had a warmer glow. The sun-warmed stonework appearing less grey and forbidding.
Robert’s much-improved spirits did not go unnoticed by those who gathered in the hallway to welcome his return and much talking and laughing invaded the previously somber house, the house that at last was to become a home.
***
Halcyon days followed, days of sunshine and happiness. Sophie thrived and provided a never-ending source of pride and joy. She enchanted the whole household and became a favorite with everyone who came into contact with her, the duke and duchess embracing her as their own. Harry improved beyond expectations and, much sooner than anticipated, was able to walk with assistance from his ground floor apartments in the east wing to a small summerhouse erected nearby for his comfort. It was here that he spent most of his time during the warm summer months either reading or helping to amuse Sophie. He had even been persuaded to renew his interest in sketching, a pastime he had not pursued for a number of years but now provided him with hours of pleasure. No one knew that these were days to be treasured, that in a few short months all contentment would be at an end.
***
One morning in late August, when the duke was in his office attending to matters of the estate, he received a letter from his agents in London informing him that they had successfully leased the manor to Mr. Edmund Darrows. Darrows was but recently returned from the continent and was desirous of renting a property in the area. Should it prove acceptable to his grace, he wished to take up residence immediately.
“I can see no reason to delay,” remarked the duke to Stevens. “The Manor will be better for a tenant; it does no good to leave a building unattended. Arrange to have the covers removed and the whole house made ready. Ascertain from Mr. Darrows whether he has any requests and if necessary implement them.”
“It will be arranged as you wish, sir,” Stevens replied, continuing to attend to the remaining correspondence. “Do you think the duchess will wish to interview the new occupant before the tenancy is finalized?”
“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Robert replied, his thoughts already elsewhere as he inspected a new farm contract. “I am sure my agent has made all the necessary enquiries and seen that everything is as it should be.”
“Very well, sir, then I shall reply immediately and the tenancy can commence at the end of the month.”
A brief nod was the duke’s only reply as he applied himself to more pressing matters.
***
The duke informed Jane and Harry of the news over supper that evening.
“It will be good to see our former home inhabited once more,” Jane said.
Harry reached for his third glass of wine, a sullen scowl marring his features. “It’s too old and rambling for my taste. Never did like it, he can have it. Don’t care if I never see it again.”
“Why the disagreeable mood?” Jane asked, mirroring his frown. “This is not like you. Your spirits have been much improved of late. What has occurred to put you so out of frame?”
“Oh, nothing in particular,” Harry replied. “It’s just that recently I have started to wish for company other than my own.”
“We bore you then?” the duke teased, smiling as he raised his own glass. “I had not thought us so dull.”
“You must know that is not at all what I mean, but I am begi
nning to long for some amusement. Now that I am more recovered, could I not venture up to London, at least for a change of scene?”
“No, you could not, dear brother,” Jane replied, half way between amusement and exasperation. “Perhaps when the new season starts we can all go together. You know you don’t have the strength as yet. It would be a disaster.” Then turning to the duke, “Could we not give a supper party, Robert? Perhaps then he could strike up an acquaintance with our neighbors, and so widen his circle of friends. It would be most amusing don’t you think, my dear?”
“Something along those lines has already occurred to me,” mused the duke, sitting back in his chair. “In fact, it is an idea I have been mulling over these past few days. ’Tis time you were introduced to society as my wife. What say you to a ball, sweetheart? Would that be entertainment enough for you, Harry?”
A look of lively interest swept over Harry’s features, his spirits once more restored. “I say it would, sir, though I doubt that I could join in the dancing. Will you be setting up a card room for those bored with the music?”
Robert glanced briefly at his wife and sensed her trepidation. “Fashion dictates that I must, but I doubt it will provide you with much entertainment. We play for boringly low stakes in the country, indeed, no more than a penny a point in Piquet and I don’t see you gaining much enjoyment from playing Whist with the dowagers. It’s best to avoid the card-room at all costs if one is not to succumb to ennui. However, if you wish, you might have a hand in the arrangements for the ball. That will at least occupy some of this idle time of which you complain.”
“I would not wish to rob my sister of such a pleasure,” Harry replied, grinning boyishly. “I’m sure she’ll manage quite admirably without my assistance, but if you should have need of a hand in selecting the wines, sir, I am at your disposal.”
The duke gave a bark of laughter. “I am quite sure you are, though I doubt you have the palate for it. Your tastes are not that discerning. My cellars are well stocked and I have already decided on the wines I will serve.”
Preparations for the event got underway, a date for the end of September being set. Invitations were delivered to all the surrounding gentry including the new tenant of Grebe Manor who, along with almost everyone else, was quite prompt in his acceptance. The duke commented to his wife, “It appears everyone is eager to make the acquaintance of the new Duchess of Lear, my love.”
***
The evening of the ball arrived and Stovely buzzed with activity. The whole house was ablaze with light and lanterns had been placed at intervals along the sweeping drive, welcoming all to its stately portals. In their apartment, the duke and duchess prepared to meet their guests, Jane secretly thinking she had never seen her husband appear so distinguished as he did now in evening dress. The suit comprised of a black tailed coat and black satin knee breeches that fitted his tall, imposing frame to perfection. The deep blue of the order he wore across the startling white of his waistcoat and shirt drew her attention as the diamond and sapphire decoration emblazoned on it winked seductively in the candlelight of their bedchamber.
However, the duke was oblivious of the admiration he inspired, instead in his turn he delighted in the sight of his wife whose violet blue silk gown echoed her eyes so exactly. She wore a silver lace overdress and pearls hung from her delicate ears and were woven through her chestnut curls. A diamond and pearl collar given to her by her husband to celebrate the occasion encircled her throat.
“If you look at me just so, I will be wishing our guests to the devil,” he said, speaking in her ear as he took her into his arms and made to kiss her lips. His attempts were frustrated however as she pushed him playfully away and skipped out of his reach.
“Robert, you will not distract me,” she chided fondly. “I am nervous enough and if you crush my dress I won’t look my best, and then what will your neighbors think?”
“They will think that I have an adorable wife,” he chuckled, once more attempting to capture her in his arms. “But I will tell them what an imp you are, thwarting your husband at every turn. A very tiresome wife indeed.”
“Really?” she asked eyes wide. “Do you find me so very tiresome, do you regret marrying me, Robert?”
“Whatever brings this about?” he asked in great surprise, taking hold of her shoulders. “You know I adore you, you goose. Do you need to ask?”
“No, I do not,” she answered contritely, laying her cheek against his shoulder. “Take no mind of me, my love, I am just at sixes and sevens and need the confidence of your devotion, that is all. Now kiss me and then we will receive our guests.”
He chuckled softly, once more drawing her to him. “That is exactly what I have been waiting to do, my little duchess. Now do stand still and I will certainly leave you in no doubt of my devotion.”
***
A large chair had been brought forward for Harry so that he could join his sister and brother-in-law when they received their guests at the foot of the shallow steps leading into the brightly-lit ballroom. It could be seen that he was in high spirits and his foot kept time with the orchestra as they waited for each guest to be announced. However, it was noticed that several young ladies eyed him askance for they had heard of this dashing young major so recently wounded in Wellington’s quest and would wish to further his acquaintance.
Eventually the footman announced Mr. Edmund Darrows and a tall, elegantly dressed, gentleman descended the stairs. All eyes turned as this handsome, blonde Apollo, made his entrance, but in no way did this seem to discomfit him. Indeed, he seemed oblivious of the interest he evoked as he sauntered down the stairs to meet his hosts, his face wreathed in smiles.
“I am so glad to finally make your acquaintance,” said Darrows, bowing briefly to his host. “I have heard so much about you, your grace. Indeed, one is forever coming across mention of your name.”
The duke raised his brow. “I had not thought my actions so worthy of comment.”
“You do yourself an injustice, sir,” said Darrows, ignoring the slight stiffening of his host’s manner. “Your name and actions are well known.” Seeing the slight frown his words evoked before the duke schooled his features into those of polite interest, Darrows gave a small smile of what appeared private amusement before moving on to greet his hostess.
Bowing over Jane’s hand and taking it to his lips, he said in a contrite tone, “I appear to have annoyed your husband and it was not my intention. Forgive me, your grace, my tongue runs away with me.”
As Jane gave him a look of slightly puzzled enquiry, he smiled engagingly, drawing a responding smile from her lips. “I must tell you how delighted I am to become your tenant,” he said, at his most charming. “I find the manor exactly suits my tastes, indeed, I am most comfortable there. I know this is not the time, but there are many questions I would ask of the estate and would particularly like to know of the sport available within its boundaries.”
“Then it is to my brother you must speak,” replied Jane pleasantly. “I am sure Harry will be only too glad to inform you where you may find the best fishing and game. The problem will be stopping him once he has started on the subject.”
“What more interesting topic could there be?” interrupted Harry, from his seat at her side, eager for his share in the conversation.
“Ah, a kindred spirit,” replied Darrows, grinning. I would not wish to tire her grace with my conversation on the finer points of sport. Perhaps I could ride over one day to discuss all with you, major?”
“An excellent idea,” returned Harry. “I am free any day you care to call.”
“Would the morrow be too soon? I am eager to become acquainted with my surroundings.”
“Come to lunch with me, I am in need of company,” replied Harry, beaming. “I must warn you though, that I can become quite a bore on the subject.”
***
“I didn’t know I had a notorious husband whose actions are the talk of society,” teased Jane as Darrows mov
ed away.
“Neither did I,” replied the duke, turning to greet the latest arrival.
The evening was well advanced before the duke and duchess were finally allowed some respite from their role as host and hostess. Returning to the ballroom shortly after supper, Robert placed his arm about his wife’s waist and drew her to his side. “I think we can safely say that the evening is a success,” he said, casting his glance over the guests who were once more taking to the floor for a waltz. “Dance with me, sweetheart. I do believe our guests will manage for the moment without our supervision.”
Jane glanced mischievously up at him. “Alas, I am engaged to stand up with Sir Anthony, sir,” she teased with mock solemnity. “I do not have time for my husband.”
Tightening his hold about her waist, Robert guided her resolutely toward the dance floor. “As Sir Anthony is not apparent, we will consign him to the devil. Do you not realize that this is the first opportunity I have ever had to dance with my wife?”
Jane appeared much struck by this revelation. “So it is,” she replied as they joined the other dancers circling about the room. “But then, we have scarce been afforded the opportunity. You never attended the local assemblies and I never saw you at Almack’s.”
The duke laughed. “That marriage mart? Good Lord, no! Most definitely not. I was not hanging out for a wife and all those marriage-minded mamas with their most eligible daughters would have made my life unbearable.”
“You had no desire for a wife?”
“None whatsoever.” Seeing Jane’s stricken look he smiled and pulled her closer. “No society miss would do for me, love. I had to ride half-way across Portugal before I found the wife of my heart.”
My Dearest Friend (Books We Love Regency Romance) Page 12